As the adage goes, religion and politics are two sensitive topics to avoid in conversations. However, on college campuses there is no shortage of discourse between people with differing views.
Our beloved flagship institution is, at times, especially fond of political discussion. We often welcome politicians and leaders to our campus with open arms, show them great hospitality and introduce their followers to the eighth wonder of the world — the Velvet Ditch — otherwise known as Oxford, Mississippi.
Something Trent Lott Leadership Institute students, Associated Student Body senators and The Daily Mississippian opinion editor might finally agree on is the University of Mississippi’s political cognizance.
Religion is an equally sensitive topic. It is a pillar of society that influences everything it touches. Despite this, conversations surrounding religion and belief are often met with little deliberation and intentionality on campus.
Why is it that the furthest public religious deliberation seems to go is students arguing with the self-proclaimed preachers who stand on the Union Plaza and inform us of our reserved spot in hell due to our attendance at a university?
While there is no easy answer to this question, Cliffe Knechtle showed this week that there is room for positive, religious debate.
Religious organizations and leaders can take away a lot from Knechtle and his visits to college campuses nationwide. One look at his accounts and content, you’ll find overwhelmingly positive feedback and engagement despite the difficult nature of the conversations at hand. Of course, online statistics and perception are often only a part of the story. Of course there are prejudiced, controversial groups with an online following well into the thousands — like the Moms for Liberty.
The thing Knechtle and his team seem to have perfected is the art of delivery. Even though Knechtle has heated moments, his delivery is often respectful and rooted in theology while also being mindful of the world we live in today — something that is increasingly rare.
It’s often not what you say, but how you say it — especially when this generation of college students prioritizes accountability and inclusion more so than other generations have in times past.
Justice Rose is the opinion editor. He is a junior from Madison, Miss. Ren Hite is a senior journalism major from Jackson, Miss.
